Home Automation Systems

Want to personalise the technology in your home and have high-tech control at your fingertips? The key is to plan your home automation system carefully from the early stages of a new build or renovation. Get the low down here.

By Emily Peck

What Is Home Automation?

Home automation gives you control over the technology in your home via a central, and often wall-mounted, control panel, remote or your smart phone. You can control the temperature in your house, lighting, music, internet, TV and home cinema at the touch of a button, without having to walk from room to room. You can also use it to work your security settings.

The systems are designed for non-technical users and they make for a rather impressive dinner party feature! The benefit of planning from the early stages is that you can conceal cables and systems around your décor. Once it's set up, the only technical issue you'll have is fighting over the control... Here are the key factors to consider.

Music Systems

Do you want to be able to control your music easily? You can access the family's complete music collection, whether it's installed on a CD player, DVD player, Mp3 player or computer, via one central system. Each household member can be given a password to access their individual tunes and add to or change their library.

HD TV & Video Distribution

Consider high definition features. You can get HD quality fed to all TV screens in the house. Make sure your system covers upgrades, to cover the new future 3D technologies too, and can stream BBC iPlayer in case you miss your favourite programmes.

Media Server

Would you benefit from a hub that integrates your technology into one convenient unit? With a media server you can access the internet and surf the web and check your emails from your high-definition TV. You can also access a movie library of Blu-ray discs and DVDs that can be updated and added to regularly via the Internet, or watch the latest news and sports in high definition.